Tectonics and Geophysics (GEOL30002)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1 (Early-Start)
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This subject deals with structural geology, large scale tectonic processes and methods for extracting geological information from geophysical datasets. In the structural geology and tectonics component, students explore advanced aspects of tectonics to link deformation processes and features across a range of scales, including via field work. The subject will begin with a one-week pre-semester field trip to East Gippsland, where students will develop their geological mapping, regional geology and structural analysis skills. This field trip will also include intensive style teaching with a parallel lecture and practical program held on-site. In the geophysics component, students explore potential fields, focusing on the gravity and magnetic methods and how they can be used to understand geology. Students work with industry standard software (e.g. Geosoft - Oasis Montaj) which performs the maths in the background. Topics include: maps, projection systems, datums and GPS; theory, acquisition, processing and interpretation steps involved for gravity and magnetic methods; image enhancement and qualitative interpretation techniques.

The field trip will take place in the weeks immediately prior to the normal commencement of classes for Semester 1. The estimated cost of the field trip is $380 but this may vary slightly at time of field trip.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast various geophysical techniques and what geological application they are effective for.
  • Explain the theory behind geophysical methodologies and how these datasets are acquired.
  • Interpret geophysical data and evaluate its geological or tectonic context.
  • Interpret deformation features in rocks in three dimensions including on geological maps and in cross-sections
  • Practice small scale field observations of deformed and/or metamorphosed rocks and interpret these observations within the framework of the large scale tectonic and geodynamic evolution of the lithosphere.
  • Document and interpret complex 3D geology in the field, such as that which might arise from orogenesis, poly-deformation and/or high-grade metamorphism.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • Thinking critically and analytically
  • Time and workload management skills
  • Effective written communication skills
  • Problem-solving skills for new and unfamiliar tasks

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
GEOL20002 Investigating Earth's Structure
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
EVSC20008 Earth's Surface Processes
July (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
GEOL20003 Building Earth: Rocks, Minerals, Magmas
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Or by arrangement with subject coordinator.

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Assessment of field geological maps and a geological cross-section

  • 1000 words (equivalent)
Due on the last day of the scheduled field trip, immediately prior to departure from the field station.25%

Geophysical interpretation exercise, including interpretation map and written report

  • 1500 words (equivalent)
Week 1235%

Written examination

  • 1.5 hours
During the examination period40%

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1 (Early-Start)
    CoordinatorMark McLean
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours1 x two-hour lecture per week for eight weeks (16 hours of lectures); 1 x two hour of practical class per week for eight weeks (16 hours of practical classes) for the first eight weeks of semester; and seven days of fieldwork prior to the beginning of the Semester 1 teaching period. 8 hours of work required per day during fieldtrip (40 hours in total), excluding first and last day for travel.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Pre teaching requirementsA 7-day field trip will be held at the beginning of the teaching period (before the official start of Semester 1). Exact dates are tide-dependent and will be confirmed as soon as practicable and at least 3 months prior to the excursion.
    Teaching period16 February 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date28 February 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 (Early-Start) contact information

    m.mclean@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Additional delivery details

This subject includes a field trip. Students should consult the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences website for field trip dates, associated costs and safety requirements: https://sgeas.unimelb.edu.au/study/field-trips

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025